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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government pays for the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought information of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|